Former Blackout Artist

Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”– Luke 9:61

It’s easy for us to read this and think, “What’s so wrong with saying goodbye?” But the crux of the matter is priority, isn’t it. Jesus was calling this man to follow Him immediately, and he wanted to negotiate the timing.

We humans love to bargain with God, don’t we? “Lord, I’ll give my heart to you someday. But not right now.” Or, “I’ll serve when life calms down a bit.” Or, “When I make more money – then I’ll be more generous.”

Loved ones, the truth is that delay can be a disguise for denial. I make a small postponement. I’ll forget all about it. And then that becomes a habit. Before I know it, that becomes my lifestyle.

The plow never gets picked up, and the field of obedience is quietly abandoned.

Scripture tells us earlier (Luke 9:51) that when the time came near for Jesus to be taken up to heaven, He resolutely set out for Jerusalem. He headed there with purpose and unwavering commitment. Jesus resolutely traveled to the cross for you and me. There was no delay or postponement, no procrastination, no excuses.

Spurgeon’s commentary for this verse was very poignant:

“O, young man, when you are thinking of leaving the world, be afraid of these farewells! They have been the ruin of hundreds of hopeful people. They have been almost persuaded; but they have gone to their old companions just to give them the last kiss, the last shake of the hand, and we have not seen anything more of them.”

Today, if Christ is calling you to repent, follow, change, or step out in obedience, don’t turn His call into a calendar event. The gospel doesn’t ask for a thoughtful pause. It demands a decisive response.

Today’s Prayer: Lord Jesus, break the power of delay and procrastination in my life. Help me obey You promptly and wholeheartedly. Make me quick to follow, not slow to reason. Amen.